Scripture PTSD

Trauma responses (e.g., flashbacks, anxiety) triggered by certain religious verses or texts due to past harm

• You feel nauseous when hearing specific verses used in sermons.

• Reading religious texts brings back memories of spiritual abuse.

• You avoid church because Scripture readings feel threatening.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• PTSD symptoms such as avoidance, hypervigilance, and flashbacks may occur.

• Emotional dysregulation can happen in spiritual settings.

• Complicated grief or moral injury may be tied to sacred texts.

Scrupulosity

A form of OCD where a person obsesses about being morally or spiritually perfect

• You pray over and over because you’re afraid you didn’t do it “right.”

• You constantly confess, just in case you missed a sin.

• You feel intense guilt even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may interfere with daily life.

• Spiritual practices may be avoided out of overwhelming fear.